New Delhi

Soni Razdan has spoken out against online criticism directed at daughter Alia Bhatt following the latter’s appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, remarking that social media often mirrors the deeper realities of society.

Bhatt, 33, attended the prestigious film festival as India’s global ambassador for L'Oréal Paris, marking her second consecutive appearance on the Cannes red carpet in that role.

The controversy erupted after a video surfaced online claiming that photographers at the event appeared unfamiliar with the actor and lowered their cameras while she posed. The clip sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users defending Bhatt while others mocked her, suggesting she lacks international recognition.

Responding to a post supporting her daughter, Razdan reflected on the nature of online platforms, saying social media may offer love, knowledge, and entertainment, but it also harbours a significant amount of negativity. She added that such behaviour says a great deal about society and could become the subject of sociological study for years.

Bhatt herself addressed one of the comments that read, “What a pity, no one noticed you,” replying with wit: “Why pity, love? You noticed me.”

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The Cannes Film Festival, which began on May 12, will continue until May 23. Among other Indian celebrities attending this year are Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, a long-time Cannes regular, and Aditi Rao Hydari.